FatBloggers.net A little push to lose the tush.

Hi all - I’m Johnny, and I couldn’t be more pleased to join your circle. In the past few weeks that I’ve been working on my personal health goals, I’ve had an opportunity to read about all of you and your personal journeys, and have been, and will surely continue to be inspired by all that you’ve accomplished.

Plain and simple, I grew up in a very fat and unhealthy family. Fast forward to the pinnacle (or nadir, depending on how you look at it) of my family’s weight and both of my parents ended up having gastric bypass surgery. I also contemplated it and without sounding too bitter about the experience, feel like I was duped by someone who was more than likely a half-decent doctor, but a horrible businessman. I sank almost $2000 in “tests” to determine if I should have the surgery or not.  In retrospect, I think the best test was 1) a scale that read “350″ and 2) a mirror. It was no surprise to me that the doctor was later sued by his partners and the practice/business eventually folded.

It’s been almost two years since that point in time.  I moved with my wife to Georgia a year ago to start a Ph.D. That sentence alone should convey two things that pose additional health risks to an already pleasantly portly person: I live in one of the most unhealthy regions foodwise, and am in a very sedentary lifestyle as I’m either at a computer, in class, writing voraciously, or hunched over a book.

Then, in November, I received a wake-up call that many of you have also probably expereinced. My wife and I found out were were expecting our first child (a boy, arriving sometime next month). There was no use rationalizing anything at this point…no use for excuses. I had to do it. I had to change.

So, here I am.  I started a weight loss blog called Fat Guy in a Little Coat, and I am asking any who read those entries to help hold me accountable.  This time around, I refuse to cut corners or employ any type of cheating. As I’ve already stated numerous times on my blog, I’ll restate for all of you: I’m in this for the long haul.

My plan is relatively simple: eat less and eat better, exercise more, and make reasonable, reachable goals. I am in week three of the Couch-to-5k program, and have run more in the last two weeks than I probably have in the last nine years (and it’s not all that much). I have lost just over 13 pounds in the past couple of weeks (starting at 370 and currently weighing in at just under 357) and have a goal to weigh 250 lbs. or less by January 1, 2010. I can’t wait to share my journey with all of you as you share yours with me.

Here’s to a healthy life…thanks for the warm welcome, blogging brethren…